Alpine, an official "Made for iPod" program member, designed the new iDA-X001 digital media head unit to have a pure digital USB connection, and to allow users to naturally and easily navigate through all of the digital content on their iPod via the head unit. The result is the highest possible iPod sound quality and most iPod-like experience in the car. I have not tried this unit with the new iPhone, but with more than 500,000 iPhones sold in its debut weekend, I imagine someone will soon. I suspect its direct USB connection will work fine allowing iPhone owners to fully integrate their music features right into the car. The digital media head unit is designed with the same screen ratio as the iPod itself and includes a color 320 x 240 pixel TFT screen. The screen displays artist, album and track information, and even album art from the iPod. The unit offers three screen-view options: album art plus song name and track information; larger album art display and song name only; or clock and calendar information. Fifth-generation iPods with the latest firmware are able to link directly to the iDA-X001 via a direct high-speed USB connection. In comparison to previous solutions, which relied on an analog interface cable or adapter box, the iDA-X001's pure digital USB connection provides fast data transfer, quick command response and superior iPod sound. It provides full digital audio using a 24-bit Burr Brown DAC and has a built-in 18 Watt x 4 amplifier and 3 pre-outs. The iPod data access speed is approximately 25 thousand times faster than Alpine's Full Speed Connection for iPod cable (Full Speed cable transfer rate: 19.2 kBps; USB transfer rate: 480 mBps).For earlier-generation iPods, the iDA-X001 retains Alpine's Full Speed for iPod Connection capabilities through the KCE-422i (sold separately, $30 suggested retail index). The Full Speed cable gives access to expanded iPod search options: playlist, artist, album, song, genre, podcasts and composers (except video playlists and audiobooks). The iDA-X001 can support both a USB iPod and another iPod connected via the Full Speed cable at the same time. The iDA-X001 is built on Alpine's proprietary Ai-NET BUS platform, which allows it to connect to a variety of digital media sources and formats, including XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio, HD Radio and USB-based MP3 players. The unit is also Bluetooth ready and has a "phone" button, which allows access to the user's address book, missed, dialed and received calls. A Bluetooth indicator notifies the user when the Bluetooth module recognizes the phone and is ready for operation (separate interface adapters and service subscriptions required).The unit comes with the iPod dock/USB adapter and a 2-meter (maximum length) USB cable. The provided USB cable must be used to connect the iPod, as other alternative cables are not compatible. The supplied USB cable includes a locking mechanism that secures it to the back of the head unit for anti-theft purposes. When the iPod is connected and the car is running, the head unit also charges the iPod battery.The iDA-X001 is available now at authorized Alpine dealers for a retail price of $450.